WORKFORCE OPPORTUNITIES

ENERGY TRANSITION INTERN - MVRHS students only

Job Description:

Vineyard Power’s Energy Transition Intern will support the Energy Transition Coordinator in the implementation of an energy transition program that educates, coaches, and supports residents, businesses, and the building trades in the transition towards an environmentally just 100% renewable energy economy including a 100% reduction in fossil fuel usage by 2040. These community goals have been democratically adopted by all six island towns at their respective Town Meetings and by the Martha’s Vineyard Commission.

Specifically, the Energy Transition Intern will assist outreach and engagement efforts among Priority Groups to increase participation in energy efficiency, income eligible ratepayer assistance, and energy coach programming. Priority Groups are defined below as:

•       “Minority” refers to individuals who identify themselves as Latino/Hispanic, Black/African American, Asian, Indigenous people, and people who otherwise identify as non-white.

•       “Low-income” means median household income at or below 65 percent of the statewide median income for Massachusetts, according to federal census data.

•       “English isolation” refers to households that are English Language Isolated according to federal census forms, or do not have an adult over the age of 14 who speaks only English or speaks English very well.

This is a paid internship. Interns may work up to fifteen hours per week. Work hours are flexible to accommodate intern’s schedule.

Tasks for the Energy Transition Intern, in concert with the Energy Transition Coordinator, are to include:

•       Updating our website and social media platforms with available resources to assist Priority Groups in the 100% transition to renewables.

•       Implementing a Community Outreach & Communication Plan that includes utilizing social media, events, articles, informational materials, and other promotions to educate the community on local climate issues and methods & technologies available to support the 100% Renewable goal.

•       Implementing outreach efforts that promote equity and enable Priority Groups to engage in the energy transition.

•       Assisting residents and businesses in identifying and applying for available rebates and incentives.

•       Working closely with key island energy stakeholders such as the Dukes County Regional Housing Authority, Brazilian Congregations, the Community Ambassador Program, senior centers, public libraries, the Red Stocking Fund, Island Food Pantry, and the Cape Light Compact.

•       Working closely with other energy stakeholders such as MassSave, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, and other federal and state organizations.

Qualifications:

•       A passion for and commitment to working on climate issues.

•       Interest in renewable energy.

•       Fluent in Portuguese.

If you are interested, please reach out to info@vineyardpower.com.

Intern Testimonials

  • “Far and away my best internship experience. At Vineyard Power, you get direct, involved exposure to a wide range of community-based sustainability initiatives and renewable energy development. This is a unique opportunity to work with a small but passionate team with an infectiously optimistic view on what we can achieve in small communities everywhere. If you are interested in a 'sustainable' career, this is as good a place you can find to start. Doesn’t hurt that the whole experience takes place on a beautiful island paradise.”

    Harry Finch, Summer 2019

  • “Interning at Vineyard Power with Richard and Erik was such a positive experience. I was so fortunate to learn from two individuals who are so passionate about and dedicated to advancing renewable energy in Massachusetts. The internship was also a great opportunity to step out of my comfort zone in our outreach to the MV community which helped in my transition as a customer-facing employee at my current job. In college, I had taken classes about renewable energy but this internship really allowed me to extend my knowledge of solar and offshore wind energy through research, outreach, and hands-on projects.”

    Moira Gattoni, Summer 2018

  • "My internship at Vineyard Power has been immensely rewarding and transformative. As a marine and environmental science student, I deepened my understanding of energy transition concepts by enhancing educational curricula and exploring environmental challenges from a scientific perspective. Working with the Martha's Vineyard community demonstrated how local initiatives can drive meaningful change and sustainability. This experience also highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing me to engage with professionals in policy, science, and education. These interactions expanded my professional network and enriched my grasp of the interconnectedness of these fields. I highly recommend this opportunity to learn about the energy transition while spending the summer on the beautiful island of Martha’s Vineyard!"

    Emily Jerome, Summer 2024

  • "Vineyard Power was a very rewarding internship experience. Through my time at Vineyard Power, I gained valuable insights into various resiliency projects on the island and contributed by modeling energy-efficient homes using CAD. Additionally, I became well-versed in solar coaching practices, an area I'm particularly passionate about. There were many other projects I got to delve into that further enhanced my interest in energy efficiency. Since my time at Vineyard Power, I have gained a lot of knowledge that I am confident will be super valuable to my future career. I strongly encourage anyone to pursue an internship at Vineyard Power if given the opportunity. The experiences, connections, and relationships I formed there have significantly enriched my educational, professional, and social life."

    Wesley Jackson, Summer 2024

  • “Vineyard Power was a uniquely rewarding internship experience. You get to enjoy the beautiful Island of Martha’s Vineyard and the unique culture within, all while working on meaningful projects. Through my time at Vineyard Power, I involved myself in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Since my time at VP I have become increasingly interested in renewable energy as well as electricity generation and transmission and as a result, I am now attending graduate school to study Energy & Environment. I highly recommend an internship at Vineyard Power should you get the chance. The experiences, connections, and relationships that arise as a result have greatly improved the educational, professional, and social aspects of my life.”

    Griffin Girard, Summer 2016

  • "Working at Vineyard Power as an Energy Transition Intern was an extremely enriching experience. Through the internship, I had the opportunity to work alongside a team of very knowledgeable and dedicated environmentalists who are actively making a positive difference for the Martha’s Vineyard community. Every day on the job taught me something new, whether it be the science behind the technology making our homes more energy efficient, or a lesson in how to interface with the public about complex environmental issues. Martha’s Vineyard is a community on the forefront of renewable energy generation, and with that comes a lot of problem solving and on-the-fly learning. This makes MV one of the most exciting places to be for someone interested in the future of renewable energy, and there is no better way to get involved than working at Vineyard Power."

    Hollis Kelly, Summer 2024

  • "Working at Vineyard Power was both a very interesting and fulfilling internship experience. I loved having the opportunity to work with a non-profit and connect with the Martha’s Vineyard community. You really get a ‘feel-good’ sense of working for the community which is something I have not had the opportunity to do before. Whether it was signing people up for HEAs to help them save money or just general conversations about renewable energy, the Martha’s Vineyard community was always kind and receptive to our efforts. This internship taught me valuable lessons about renewable energy and community outreach, and it was an experience I will always remember."

    Sam Rice, Summer 2024